The secret ingredient to a happier and healthier retirement

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has taken away many opportunities for us to connect and disrupted our regular coffee catchups with friends, cancelled treasured family celebrations and denied many of us the chance to farewell loved ones.

A recent study has shown that since the onset of the COVID-19, just over half (54%) of respondents reported that they felt lonelier than at the start of the pandemic. And the impact of the lockdowns was particularly hard on people living alone.

Now with restrictions easing, most of us have started to venture back into the warm embrace of family, friends and the community to enjoy all the things we have missed. Being connected and having a support network of people close to you may be particularly important as we move into Winter when the threat of the flu, the reappearance of Covid and colder weather increase our likelihood of social isolation.

The power of community for a happy and healthy retirement

Being alone is not an inevitable part of ageing. According to a recent report on social isolation in Australia, truly enjoying your retirement could be as simple as asking yourself some questions about where and how you are spending your retirement.

Do you have the reassurance of being part of a warm and welcoming community?

Being part of a supportive community is not just important when we need help – it can also add meaning and joy to everyday life. Sharing and connecting with others can inspire us to set new goals and create meaningful relationships.

While everyone’s experience of loneliness is different, getting involved in rewarding activities with other people and building social connections may be beneficial for your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Living in a friendly retirement community, such as an Aveo community, means you are surrounded by people at a similar stage in life to you, making it easier to connect with residents who may have similar interests and life experiences to you.

For Beryl and Arnold, residents of Aveo Taringa, have found that their community is like a village in the true sense of the word.

“When we arrived five years ago, we felt as though we’d been wrapped in a big blanket of friendship. Everyone was so caring and friendly, without being too nosy. It was just a lovely warm feeling to be here.”

Are there people around you to share your thoughts and feelings with?

Socialising regularly is a secret ingredient to a happier, healthier life. Being able to share your thoughts with others not only helps to boost your mood and self-esteem but it may help to keep your brain sharp.

When you live in a vibrant community filled with like-minded people, it increases the opportunities for chatting and connecting with others whether it’s in the community garden, or on your daily walk or over dinner and a glass of wine.

Having someone to talk to and to confide in has a huge impact on reducing the risks of loneliness. Research has shown that interacting with your neighbours, friends and family and being part of a trusted community has a positive impact on your overall quality of life.

Do you have easy access to the places and activities that bring you joy?

One of the many reasons people choose retirement living is because you have everything you need nearby, giving you more time to do the things you love. From the shared facilities to the communal spaces, there’s always an opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships.

Every Aveo community offers a range of activities and events shaped by residents and their passions, strengthening the sense of community and comradery amongst one another. Residents can choose to take part in as many or as few weekly social events they would like, such as walking groups, card and board games, billiards, table tennis, lawn bowls, yoga, meditation, arts and crafts, Happy Hour and more.

Wendy, another Aveo Taringa resident, shares that “We have a very good thing going called Wednesday Night and Friday Night Club. Everybody takes their favourite little drop of vino and a little plate of goodies, and we go up to a shed and we all just get together and just have great mateship.”

Take the first step to great retirement living

At the heart of every Aveo retirement village is a warm community.

This Winter, take the first step to great retirement living by taking a discovery tour of an Aveo community near you with a loved one. Experience the friendliness and warmth of the residents firsthand and explore what makes Aveo such a vibrant place to live.

“If you’re not sure if retirement living is right for you, the best thing you can do is come and have a look. Come to an event, come and see the staff, just walk through the village, talk to some of the residents and experience what it’s like to be here.” says Antonio Peluso, Community Manager at Aveo Taringa.

Living at Aveo means you’ll have more than just a home – it means there is a community you can turn to.